THE LION SNEEZED: Folktales and Myths of the Cat

Never ignored in art and literature, the cat has received so much attention of late that she'll soon be past living with. Meanwhile Leach's brisk, eclectic folklore collection is a perfect way to begin an acquaintance; it goes back to the first known reference to domesticated cats (from Sumer), and includes brief tales from India, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Rome, Jamaica, and elsewhere, along with a similarly wide-ranging sampling of riddles and sayings. There's nothing as sophisticated or as extended as ""Puss in Boots"" here; Leach's cats are a homelier lot, but no less generously endowed with mother wit. Complete with Siegl's assured and personable woodcuts and Leach's usual exemplary source notes, this is a snappier, earthier, broader view than Alexander's polished appreciations (above)--of a creature who will always have the last word.